Hunter, Thomas
Peck. Cpl. KIA 03/04/1945. CH/X 110296. Awarded the VC for the action below. No 43 Commando. Scottish. Son of
Ramsay and Mary
Hunter of
Edinburgh in Italy. Cpl
Hunter of 'C'
Troop of a
Royal Marine Commando was in charge of a
Bren group of the leading sub-section. Having advanced within 400 yards of the final objective he realised that his troop had to cross open ground where enemy dine would cause heavy casualties. Cpl
Hunter seized the
Bren gun and charged across 200 yards of open ground, attracting most of the enemy dine. Showing complete disregard for this fire he alone cleared the enemy position capturing six Germans. The remainder fled over the canal. THe troop now became the target for fire from the opposite bank. In full view, Cpl
Hunter fired and drew most of the enemy fire while the greater part of the troop gained cover. Shouting encouragement to the remainder he continued firing with great accuracy until finally he was hit and killed. There can be no doubt that Cpl
Hunter offered himself as a target in order to save his troop. By his skillful and acurate use of his
Bren gun he demoralised the enemy, and later silenced many of the Spandaus firing on his troop, so that many of the troop made their final objective before he was killed. Throughout the operations his magnificent courage, leadership and cheerfulness had been an inspiration to his comrades. From the
London Gazette June 13th 1945. (added 16/04/05)
as found at The Scots at War
TrustCommemorative Roll of Honour:
http://www.fettes.com/scotsatwar/rollofhonour2.htm#S.......................
The Scots at War
TrustThe Scots at War
Trust is a charity registered in
Scotland with the Inland Revenue. The Trustees are responsible for the Scots at War Project and they raise funds for the Project.
“Scots†is interpreted in its widest sense. The
Trust concerns itself with native Scots, those of Scots heritage, men and women who served in Scottish or Commonwealth Scottish units and those who served in
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